Applicant vs Candidate

What is the key difference between applicant and candidate? this article shows definitions and compares the two terms.

APPLICANT VS CANDIDATE

Applicant and candidate are two words that are often used in recruitment.
Although many people use these two words interchangeably, there is a subtle difference between applicant and candidate.
An applicant is a person who applies for something, usually a job. A candidate is a person who is likely to be selected
for a specific job or position. This is the key difference between applicant and candidate.

Who is an applicant?

An applicant is a person who makes a formal request for something; The term seeker is often used to refer to those
who apply for a job.

However, there are other occasions where people must submit an application; for example,
submitting an application to obtain a grant, to apply for a Green Card, to apply for a diploma, etc.
All these persons who apply for various causes can become applicants called. Note the meaning and
use of this word in the following example sentences:

- Fifteen applicants were selected for the interview.

- They had hundreds of applicants for the vacancy, but none of them had the qualifications they were looking for.

- She wrote back to all the applicants and thanked them for their time and effort.

- All applicants who had the minimum qualifications were asked for interviews.

- Two of the applicants have stated that they are interested in molecular biology.

- There were hundreds of applicants for the job.

Who is a candidate?

The independent candidate has several meanings. Candidate can refer to a person who is nominated for a prize,
an office or an honor.
Candidate can also refer to a person who is likely to get a certain position.
In English, the candidate also speaks to a person who is sitting for an exam.
The candidate is sometimes also interchanged with the applicant.
The following example sentences help you to better understand the meaning and use of this noun.

- Ten candidates were selected for the final interview.

- All candidates before the election must sign an agreement before the election.

- The job is offered to one of the six candidates chosen by the chairman.

- The candidates were asked to sit in their assigned places.

- The examiners have checked the identification data of the candidate.

- There were five candidates for the final interview.

What is the difference between applicant and candidate?

"In the field of human resources, there is a clear difference between applicant and candidate.
Applicants are the people who apply for a job. Candidates are the people who are selected by the applications
and who ask for the interviews."

Definition:

Applicant: An applicant is a person who applies for something.

Candidate: A candidate is a person who is likely or suitable to undergo or be selected for something that's specified.

In HR:

Applicant: An applicant is a person who submits an application for a job.

Candidate: A candidate is a person with minimal qualifications and is asked for interviews.